Legislative Activity

This resolution officially commemorates June 11, 2025, as "World Franchise Day" to recognize the significant contributions of the franchising industry to the U.S. economy. It highlights franchising's role in job creation, supporting nearly 8.8 million jobs and contributing almost 3% of the nation's GDP. The measure also celebrates franchising as a pathway to business ownership for many Americans, including veterans and minorities.

The Protect IVF Act establishes a federal right to access fertility treatments, such as IVF, based on widely accepted medical standards. It prohibits states from enacting or enforcing rules that create unnecessary roadblocks or conflict with these established medical practices. The law empowers individuals, providers, and insurers to sue to strike down restrictive state laws that interfere with evidence-based fertility care. Ultimately, this Act ensures that decisions regarding fertility treatment remain between patients and their doctors, overriding conflicting state regulations.

The IDeA Reauthorization Act of 2025 officially names and updates the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program to support biomedical and behavioral research institutions in states lagging in NIH funding. This legislation mandates increased transparency by requiring the NIH to publicly report annually on the program's strategy, awards, and impact on research quality and workforce development. The bill also clarifies eligibility criteria based on state-level NIH funding levels.

The International Quantum Research Exchange Act establishes a new Department of State program to foster international collaboration in quantum information science. This program will provide matching grants for joint research and support scientist exchange visits with allied nations. The Secretary of State must coordinate with relevant agencies and report annually to Congress on the program's activities and priority countries.

The Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025 establishes mechanisms to deter foreign countries from wrongfully detaining U.S. citizens by allowing the Secretary of State to designate "State Sponsors of Unlawful Detention." The bill also improves support for detained Americans by creating an advisory council composed of former detainees and experts to shape federal policy. Furthermore, it mandates new travel advisories for high-risk destinations and requires a report detailing the structure and efficiency of current U.S. hostage recovery efforts.

The International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive U.S. strategy to promote the export of advanced civil nuclear energy technology to allies and developing nations. It creates new White House coordination roles and working groups to develop long-term export strategies and financing mechanisms. Furthermore, the bill authorizes international cooperation, training, and financial support to help partner nations adopt safe, secure, and reliable nuclear power while countering influence from competitors like Russia and China.

This resolution condemns Russia's devastating use of advanced ballistic missiles against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. It expresses strong support for immediately increasing U.S. military aid to Ukraine, specifically demanding the rapid transfer of sophisticated air defense systems like PATRIOTs. The bill urges the President to expedite these transfers to protect Ukrainian lives and sovereignty.

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 addresses the growing public health crisis of obesity, particularly among Medicare beneficiaries. This bill expands Medicare coverage for intensive behavioral therapy by allowing more types of qualified healthcare providers to furnish the treatment. Furthermore, it amends Medicare Part D to allow coverage for prescription medications used to treat obesity or weight management in individuals with related health conditions. Finally, the Act requires the Secretary of HHS to report regularly to Congress on the implementation and coordination of federal obesity-related efforts.

This resolution officially designates May 2025 as ALS Awareness Month to highlight the serious and progressive nature of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It recognizes the challenges faced by the tens of thousands affected, including long diagnosis times and the burden on caregivers. The Senate commits to supporting research, improving access to treatment and support services, and honoring those working to combat the disease.

This resolution formally condemns Hamas for its premeditated and brutal terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023. It demands that Hamas immediately release all remaining hostages and allow them access to necessary medical care. The document further affirms that taking hostages is a clear violation of international law.

The No Place for LGBTQ Hate Act immediately repeals specific Executive Orders that targeted LGBTQI individuals, preventing any federal funds from being used to enforce them. This legislation specifically cancels orders known for mandating discrimination in areas like employment and healthcare. The bill also includes a provision to ensure it does not infringe upon the President's existing constitutional authority.

The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act repeals key liability protections for gun manufacturers found in the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). This legislation also mandates that records from the federal Firearms Trace System database must be discoverable and admissible as evidence in civil proceedings. The bill aims to allow victims of gun violence greater access to information for civil lawsuits.

The VA Loan Informed Disclosure Act of 2025, or VALID Act, aims to increase awareness of VA loan options for consumers. It mandates that FHA disclosures include information about assuming VA-backed loans. Furthermore, the Act requires Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to add a mandatory military service question to the standard mortgage application form.

This bill modifies the law regarding expedited review for advanced technology export licenses to Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It broadens the definition of "export" within this expedited review process. This change ensures that various transfers, including re-shipping, third-party transfers, and brokering deals involving defense articles, qualify for faster license approval to these key allies.

The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 updates federal grant programs to strengthen the nursing pipeline. It expands eligibility for advanced nursing education grants to cover more specialized roles and updates funding for modernizing nursing school resources like simulation labs. The bill also increases the authorized funding levels for these critical nursing workforce programs through Fiscal Year 2030.

The Don’t Sell My DNA Act amends federal bankruptcy law to establish strict protections for genetic information. This legislation prohibits the sale or lease of an individual's genetic data by a bankruptcy trustee unless every affected person provides explicit, written consent after the case begins. Furthermore, any genetic data not sold must be securely deleted according to court-approved standards. These new rules apply immediately to all current and future bankruptcy cases.

The United States Foundation for International Food Security Act of 2025 establishes a new, private, nonprofit corporation tasked with accelerating long-lasting, locally-led agricultural investments globally. This Foundation will utilize outcome-based funding to support projects focused on boosting food production, infrastructure, and farmer profitability worldwide. The Act mandates strict governance, performance evaluations, and prohibits support for countries that back terrorism or violate human rights.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month every May. It honors the significant and diverse contributions of AANHPI communities to the history and strength of the United States. The resolution also acknowledges the historical struggles and ongoing challenges faced by these communities. Ultimately, it reaffirms the importance of recognizing their achievements and ensuring their representation.

This resolution serves as a formal tribute honoring the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of former United States Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond of Missouri. It recognizes his decades of public service, including his terms as Missouri Governor and U.S. Senator, where he championed infrastructure, agriculture, and conservative values. The Senate expresses deep sadness over his passing and directs that official copies of this tribute be sent to his family.

The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends and improves critical federal grant programs designed to support successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. This legislation specifically reauthorizes key demonstration projects through 2030 and broadens the scope of services these grants can cover. Updates now explicitly allow funding for substance use disorder treatment, including peer recovery support and reentry housing services. Overall, the bill ensures continued federal investment in evidence-based reentry initiatives through the end of the decade.